Rhodes Inter-Varsity: My 60km road race.

I pretty much picked Rhodes University because purple is one of my favourite colours. Both my parents have Rhodes bumper stickers on their cars (I would have a sticker too, but I have no car to stick it to). I often wear purple accidentally on SRC Purple Thursdays, though I am yet to win a Haricots cupcake. Or rally up any real enthusiasm for anything to do with the SRC besides exam treats. Sarcasm aside, I really am a proud Rhodent.

This weekend, as all Rhodents and most of the Eastern Cape know, is Tri-Var. (I feel I must stick to the old naming convention so as to fit in with all the cool third years, who also speak fondly of “Blanca” and “Old Gaol”).

Image credit: Adrian Miles.

Out of fear and general disinterest in both sport and alcohol poisoning, I am escaping to Kenton.

According to a student’s post on the Rhodes SRC Facebook group, the SRC are spending around R100 000 on the Tri-Var party. I don’t understand how this is allowed, as it is certainly not financially viable for an SRC which is in debt. Tickets are R20 if pre-bought, and R30 at the door. The good news is that apparently the projected number of students is around 6 000. This means that if all the students pre-bought their tickets, the SRC would make a profit of R20 000. Hopefully this won't be wasted on their alleged Steers account or end of year luxury vacation. According to this same student’s post, the 2011 SRC overspent approximately R300 000. That’s enough for three Inter-Varsity parties! What I want to know is: why weren’t we all invited?

Overspending is particularly upsetting in light of the recent student press bankruptcy. I admit that as a member of the Activate editorial team, I do have a personal interest in this particular aspect of student finances. As on member of our team put it: “ Just wondering how the SRC have no funds to help the student media cling to life but they are splurging on Intervarsity parties and other shit again. Priorities indeed. And now they have started rashing us for votes again for the 2013 SRC. I don't care how you rationalise it, you are perpetuating all the problems we see on a national political scale and showing little remorse. No wonder we are headed the way we are." Student newspapers should spend a bit over R100 000 per year on printing, though most of this is raised through advertising. Just to put things into perspective.

And, lucky us, it’s SRC Campaign Season again! If only guerrilla marketing and puns were the making of a good leader.

Dave and me at our last Kenton escape.
And look, I'm even wearing purple!

In conclusion: Tri-Var is a sporting event, not a drinking competition. I would hope that Rhodes spirit is alive all year round, not only when compelled by spirits of a liquid variety. The 60km drive to Kenton and a couple of walks on the beach are the only sporting activities I intend engaging in. That, and some competitive sleeping. I might wear purple, I might not. I most definitely will not be getting off-my-face drunk and making a bad name for my university, though. Now, go watch some damn sport, people!